Costa Rica Tours & Trips

265 Costa Rica trips. Tours from 140 tour companies. 908 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

265 Trips match your criteria (81 - 100 shown)

Classic Costa Rica
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Private Guided
Why we love them
They create highly personalized trips across all needs from family travel to luxury, food, diving, adventures and more.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Coffee Plantation Tour: Learn about the coffee production process, from harvesting to roasting.
  • Poas Volcano: Admire the main crater and explore various ecosystems in the national park.
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens: Walk trails to stunning waterfalls and visit the hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, bird house, butterfly garden, and frog exhibit.
  • Boat Tour: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Río Frío, spotting diverse wildlife such as birds, monkeys, sloths, and reptiles.
  • Return to Arenal: Relax back at Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa.
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Authentic  Costa Rican Jewels
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Private Guided
Why we love them
They create highly personalized trips across all needs from family travel to luxury, food, diving, adventures and more.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Sierpe River Boat Trip: Explore mangrove wetlands.
  • Arrival at Rancho Corcovado: Enjoy a complimentary cocktail before lunch.
  • Afternoon: Free time for nature trails and beach relaxation.
  • Sirena Ranger Station: 50-minute boat ride and wet landing; hike through remote rainforest terrain.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to spot rare rainforest species in one of the most biologically intense places on earth.
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Costa Rica Nature Lovers
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They create highly personalized trips across all needs from family travel to luxury, food, diving, adventures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Turtle National Park
  • You'll see birds, monkeys and other animals in their natural habitat along the trek

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Costa Rica at it’s best- Nature, whales and dolphins
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Group Tour
Why we love them
They create highly personalized trips across all needs from family travel to luxury, food, diving, adventures and more.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • In Costa Rica tour we will visit
  • Central Mountain Range with an authentic Costa Rican coffee plantation
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano
  • Turtle Museum of the C.C.C. (Caribbean Conservation Corporation)
  • Tortuguero National Park
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Birding, Photography, High Adventure, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Costa Rica: Nature & Wildlife
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Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Venture into the heart of Monteverde's world-famous cloud forest with a private guide.
  • Explore the birdwatcher's paradise of Curi-Cancha and the Macaw Recovery Network.
  • Enjoy an unforgettable elevated dining experience above the forest canopy.
  • Unwind at Punta Islita with expert spa pampering and a selection of nature-focused activities.
  • Stay at a curated collection of premier accommodations.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Aileen was delightful to work with! She was attentive and available to make my clients' trip an absolute success. We even had some last minute additions/requests that she was able to make happen. 5 stars to Aileen and Kensington!"

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Costa Rica - Rainforest Adventure
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By ElderTreks
preferred
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Tortuguero National Park and its jungle canals
  • Enjoy Arenal and Poas Volcanoes
  • Wildlife viewing, tropical forest walk & rafting at Sarapiqui
  • Enjoy the world-famous Eco-Termales Hot Water Springs
  • Visit a local community untouched by tourism
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"I paid for the Nepal trip then saw news of monsoon rain, flooding, landslides, 200+ dead. I was told by Elder Treks that they would not cancel the trip. However I did not feel comfortable going especially when weather reports were for more rain. They would not credit me or even allow me to switch to another tour. Because they wouldn't even allow me to switch tours when my concerns were valid, I would not recommend, nor use Elder Treks again."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $200 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Costa Rica
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore San Jose see the historical monuments, museums and parks of San Jose.
  • Explore Irazu Volcano National Park
  • See the amazing Arenal Volcano and enjoy the hot springs
  • Take a leisurely cruise on the Sarapiqui River.
  • visit “Palo Verde “ one of the most important National Parks in Costa Rica

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, 50 Plus, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Quality Service"

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Quest for Pura Vida
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Arenal Volcano
  • A personal journey to find your own Pura Vida
  • Visit Tortuguero National Park

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Costa Rica Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
908  Reviews
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Excellent
552
Great
88
Average
14
Disappointing
4
Terrible
4
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

I really wanted to see a Tapir!

Our third visit to Costa Rica was everything we expected and more (sadly we didn't see a tapir - but that was the only disappointment!). The trip is full on - if y...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

A wonderful trip

Thoroughly enjoyed this holiday. We saw so much wildlife from sloths and monkeys and even an anteater to scarlet macaws and toucans, as well as the elusive quetzal...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Coastal secrets of Costa Rica

I had booked this trip to celebrate "big birthdays" for both me and my daughter, so my expectations were high and this fantastic holiday exceeded my expectations. ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

A tropical paradise.

Overall we had such an amazing trip. Our tour guide was fantastic and one of a kind. He really knew his stuff and went the extra mile above and beyond for the grou...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Wonderful holiday!

I would recommend this well organised holiday to anyone who wants to explore the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, as well as see a wide range of wildlife - sloths...

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Costa Rica Tour Selection Trips

  • Allow at least seven to ten days for a tour that will hit many of the highlights.
  • Costa Rica caters to a wide variety of travelers, including couples, singles, and families. Whether you’re looking for hard or soft adventure, Stride can help you find the best Costa Rica tours.
  • If you have a special interest -- birding or fishing, for instance -- look for tours that emphasize those activities; you’ll be able to find them.
  • Don’t be put off by reports of civil strife elsewhere in Central America; Costa Rica has been safe and peaceful for decades.
  • The dry season runs from December to April or May in San Jose (the capital) and the Pacific Coast and from January to April along the Caribbean.
  • Some parts of the country can get rain year-round, and temperature is swayed more by altitude than season, so pack an umbrella and visit any time of year.

Additional details

Tours to Costa Rica usually focus on a combination of eco travel, wildlife, and adventure. You will usually find a tour that weighs one or two of these themes above the other.

If it’s your first visit to Costa Rica, try to find a tour that hits upon what Costa Rica is most known for. These include Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Both attractions are extremely popular and are normally included in Costa Rica tour itineraries.

bridge-in-monteverde

Outdoors and Active Costa Rica Tours

Most Costa Rica tours don’t have a heavy emphasis on cultural or historical sight seeing. Simply because the wildlife and outdoor tour activities are enough to occupy the days!

Wildlife lovers will want for nothing in Costa Rica, and most itineraries do focus heavily on the diverse wildlife found in Costa Rica’s rainforests and cloud forests. Some may not include Tortuguero National Park - and if you don’t want to miss observing sea turtles nesting or hatching be sure to find a tour that includes this park!

Some of the most famous animals you can see relatively easily in Costa Rica include the red-eyed tree frog, crocodiles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, tapirs, basilisk lizards, coatimundis (the Costa Rican version of a raccoon!), and two kinds of sloth. A night safari might allow you to see some of the rarer or more elusive animals in the country, such as jaguars, kinkajous, tarantulas, and ocelots. Don't forget to look up - night is the best time to see snakes as they stalk for sleeping birds in the trees above. 

If you decide to go snorkeling or scuba diving, you may run into bottlenose dolphins (or go see them on a dolphin swim!), green sea turtles and leatherbacks, sharks, and all kinds of tropical fish. Whale watching is  also a great way to see orcas and humpback, blue, beaked, and pilot whales. 

If you are interested in going on a birdwatching trip, there are also tons of beautiful and exotic birds. There are green and scarlet macaws,  toucans, dozens of species of hummingbirds, and all kinds of birds of paradise -- including the rare national bird of Costa Rica, the Resplendent Quetzal. 

costa-rican-volcano

Weather in Costa Rica

It gets quite wet and humid in Costa Rica, and the country is prone to hurricane conditions. Tour activities may change depending on the time of year, but generally you can expect to be walking through the rainforest in every sense of the word.

Most tours in Costa Rica will provide wet weather gear, though it is a good idea to pack light weight waterproof clothing for the majority of your tour. Long sleeves and pants can go a long way toward insect protection as well.

Eco Lodge Accommodation on Costa Rica Tours

Costa Rica has a long history as a leader in eco travel, and a majority of trips to Costa Rica have an eco, sustainable, and green travel theme. These will often feature a stay at an eco lodge, or even a treehouse! These can vary from luxury accommodations to comfortable-but-basic.

Don’t expect terribly reliable internet and electricity - particularly in keeping with the eco lodge approach! These establishments are designed to be as eco conscious as possible, and your tour will reveal new ways you can help contribute and be a responsible traveler.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 265 trips to Costa Rica and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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